Denver Man Sentenced To Lengthy Prison Term For Possessing Sawed-off Shotgun And Methamphetamine

DENVER – Anthony Russell, age 44, of Denver, was sentenced this week by U.S. District Court Judge Philip A. Brimmer to serve 168 months (14 years) in federal prison for possessing a sawed-off shotgun and for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, United States Attorney John Walsh and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge Andrew Traver announced.  Following his prison sentence, Judge Brimmer ordered Russell to serve 5 years on supervised release.  The defendant appeared at the sentencing hearing in custody, and was remanded at its conclusion.

Russell was indicted by a federal grand jury in Denver on April 25, 2013.  He pled guilty before Judge Brimmer on June 26, 2013.  He was sentenced on September 16, 2013.

According to court documents, including the stipulated facts contained in the defendant’s plea agreement, on February 4, 2013, Denver Police officers executed a search warrant at Russell’s residence.  During the lawful search officers found two 12 gauge shotguns, both with shortened barrels.  Both also had four rounds of ammunition.  Law enforcement also located a glass jar containing methamphetamine and a chrome plated revolver.  In the garage officers located a glass jar that contained a two layered liquid, which included a batch of methamphetamine oil.  There was also a bottle containing a white powdery substance.  According to facts that came out during sentencing, Russell was manufacturing methamphetamine at his residence while his minor step-daughter lived there.  The total amount of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine located at the defendant’s residence was 570 grams.  The defendant also had prior felony convictions.

“The ATF, working with local law enforcement like the Denver Police Department, are targeting the worst of the worst when it comes to illegal gun possession and drug trafficking,” said U.S. Attorney John Walsh.  “The 14 year prison sentence handed down in this case demonstrates that possessing an illegal firearm and illegal drugs results in a lengthy loss of personal liberty.”

“A convicted felon who continues to possess illegal crime guns and manufacturers methamphetamine is clearly a danger to this community,” said Denver Special Agent in Charge Andrew Traver.  “ATF will continue to work with the Denver Police Department in an attempt to apprehend and remove anyone who blatantly disregards the safety of our citizens.”

This case was investigated by the Denver Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Russell was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy Sibert.

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